First Avenue, Minneapolis
August 15, 2024
Reivew and pictures by Brett
With Minneapolis already buzzing due to the big Metallica Takeover weekend planned for August 16-18th, Pantera added fuel to the fire by announcing a “secret” show at the Legendary First Avenue on Thursday, August 15th. Even with going only by the title of “CFH” to promote the show, it didn’t take long for word to spread and the pandemonium for thousands of fans looking to get tickets to the roughly 1,500 capacity venue. Not a shock to anyone, tickets seemed to be gone before they went on sale and the madness was set for Thursday night.
Lines wrapped around the black building clad with it’s trademark silver stars coveting bands that have played over the 50 year history of the venue. Comedian Craig Gass took to the stage with some entertaining banter while also informing the capacity crowd that Pantera was indeed recording to show for a live album, adding even more energy into the crowd.
A small tribute video started playing on the main room screen to the fallen Abbott Brothers while Pantera took their spots. The crowd sensing now was the time, may have set an all-new decibel noise level in First Avenue. With the screen rising and Zakk Wylde’s opening guitar squeals for “I’m Broken,” echoing throughout the building and Charlie Benante’s drums feeling like they were beating off your chest, Pantera firmly reintroduced themselves as the metal powerhouse they are. Phil Anselmo calmly worked the crowd, drawing more and more energy each time he brought his arms up, while bassist Rex Brown took his stance on stage right acknowledging members of the crowd.
Pantera powered their way through their 12 song set, you couldn’t help but be impressed with the constant energy of both the fans and the band. Never once did it lack. Many fans had waited years, maybe a lifetime, to hear these songs live and they were not going to hold anything back. The highlight for many came as Zakk Wylde started to into to the fan favorite “Walk,” Rob Trujillo and Kirk Hammett joined them on stage to sing the chorus. The crowd, needing no further energy boost, completely went off the rails.
As the night started to come to an end, Pantera treated the crowd to their “Domination/Hollow” mashup leading into “Cowboys From Hell.” Once again proving how these songs have stood the test of time. Closing with “Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit,” Pantera gave their fans everything they wanted to see and then some. Every person going into First Ave knew what they were getting and left with more. It was the perfect small club show leading into the weekend of metal.
CHECK OUT MORE OF BRETT's PHOTOS FROM PANTERA AT FIRST AVENUE HERE!!
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